Yarmouth, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/14/2017

Lead Agency: Yarmouth Senior Advisory Council

Age-Friendly Taskforce/Advisory Council/Commission

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Communication and Information

    Address older adults' concerns about economic security through an open forum.

  2. Housing

    Increase affordable housing options to help residents age in place by organizing volunteers to take on home renovation projects and working with the local planning board to make it easier for residents to get water and sewer to accessory dwelling units.

  3. Outdoor Spaces

    Create more walkable and accessible outdoor spaces for older adults by conducting a town sidewalk inventory to determine street walkability and accessiblity, buildng more public outdoor toilets at trailheads, and facilitating more indoor walking options for older adults.

Progress Report Download

Yarmouth's progress report focuses on local transportation, housing and communicating with residents. The Town worked to recruit drivers for its on-demand ride service. They completed an inventory of sidewalks with an eye toward future updates to improve walkability. Housing was also a focus -- Yarmouth educated residents about accessory dwelling units and other shared living arrangements. Yarmouth created handouts on affordable housing options, property tax exemptions and utility assistance programs, as well as local nutrition assistance. Additionally, they partnered with the local Habitat for Humanity to offer critical home repairs, allowing older adults to age in place. New bulletin boards at town hall and the local library help spread the word about local events and resources. The Town also launched a quarterly newsletter for older adults, and hired a resource manager to connect older adults with services.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

North Yarmouth Fire Rescue (2017)

North Yarmouth, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills

Description: To ensure first responders can help in a fire or other emergency, North Yarmouth Fire and Rescue installed Knox Home Boxes at the homes of older adults and people with disabilities. The key safes allow firefighters and other first responders to enter homes with a key or code, without needing to damage a house's doors or windows. The boxes are set up to prevent others from accessing the key, making them secure. Project organizers report residents who originally received temporary equipment have since requested permanent installation. The Knox Box initiative remains in place today in North Yarmouth.

Town of Freeport (2021)

Freeport, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: Older adults can often feel underappreciated. The Town of Freeport wanted to change through a unique event designed to honor its older residents. The Town invited local families to go up in hot air balloons over the town -- something project organizers describe as an experience one will never forget. Thanks to donations from a local business, the Town was able to offset the cost of tickets, making this an activity in which everyone could participate, regardless of age, income or ability.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]